Ever come across a painting that spoke to you about something deeper than its aesthetics? And have you wondered if you could make a piece like it? Well wonder no more because Gond art (and Rooftop) is here to your rescue. With a simple and quick tutorial on how to make your first DIY inspired Gond art, you’ll be an artist in no time! But before we delve headfirst into this activity, let us break down some of the basic information you need to know about Gond art.

Originating from the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh and Bhopal, Gond art is an indigenous art form practiced by the Pardhan Gonds. Passed down through their ancestors as a way of teaching the younger generation about their mythology and culture. They're also known to display a deep sense of respect and connection towards nature. Gond tribes make these paintings out of bold colours, natural materials and fill them with intricate designs, thus making their natural form distinctive and unique. In this story, we will be learning how to make Indian Gond art at home with a step-by-step guide to achieving your first DIY Gond masterpiece!

First and foremost, get your hands on the materials required. Grab a piece of paper or a blank canvas, some finely tipped brushes, a black outlining pen and acrylic paint to substitute for the natural pigments derived from minerals, plants and insects which are originally used by traditional Gond artists. Secondly, start simple. Gond art does not have to be complicated in order to be meaningful. Simply focus on making basic shapes and designs which are usual staples in Gond art such as repetitive circles and geometric triangles. And do not forget dots as they are the single most crucial design element in every Gond painting, enhancing their visual complexity.

Once you have nailed down the basics, decide what designs/shapes you want and roughly sketch them on a piece of paper before drawing on the canvas to ensure a reduced margin for error. Once you’ve mapped your painting, start sketching. Choose any animal of choice and give it a precise outline, using a fine tipped black pen while doing so to ensure smooth, continuous strokes which provide a natural sense of fluidity to the design. Next up, use a vibrant set of colours that replicate the natural hues found in nature such as green, blue, yellow, orange, red etc. Allow the colours to have a strong sense of visual contrast with each other to make the painting look more lively.

After painting the outlined shapes, bring in the funky designs. Allow yourself to creatively explore different designs and shapes. Gond art, despite having a set of structure, practices flexibility, allowing its artists to explore unconventional styles and find a way to create a seamless blend with traditional designs. And voila, you’ve just made your first DIY Gond masterpiece! To make sure it is well-preserved as a memory, you could use it as home decor or wall-hanging. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can make Gond art on fabrics and gift yourself an artsy t-shirt or a DIY rug. Either way, your DIY Gond art will shine through any medium or technique. Because of its glimpse into Indian mythology and natural deities, giving a spiritual touch to this simple art form.

And in case you’re an art nerd who’s caught the DIY bug, here are some resources that are worth checking out:

First, our detailed course on Gond art which encapsulates everything you need to know about Indian art by a team of experts trained to educate you in the best way possible. Second, our Gond Art activity book which will successfully help you learn everything that you possibly can about the art of Gond-painting. Not only is it interactive, but also helpful in providing you with much needed relaxation and your daily dose of serotonin! Thirdly, with the rise of digital platforms it has become easier to access online tutorials for learning anything. You can check out this detailed video on Gond painting on our YouTube channel guiding you through the ‘art venture’ that Gond art offers.

And last but not the least, do not forget to check out other programs and interactive workshops on our website that are similar to Gond art. Here at Rooftop, we encourage you to gather a holistic approach to understanding and creating art. Carrying forward a similar approach to learning, we hope you have a great time mastering this art form and create your first DIY Gond art piece!